(box score)

Widener's defense came to play and an early second-half burst lifted the squad to a 55-42 win over Arcadia in both teams Commonwealth Conference opener at Schwartz Center.

The Pride (4-3, 1-0 CC) limited the Knights to just 31 percent (15-of-49) shooting that included 28 percent (7-of-25) in the second half.  They also forced the visitors to commit 25 turnovers, held them without a basket for an eight-minute run in the first half and without a point for an eight-minute stretch in the second half.

Four different players scored two points during an 8-0 spurt for Widener, which grabbed a 39-21 lead with 11:44 remaining.  Freshman Francesca Lee (Hainesport, NJ) capped it with a jumper.

Freshman Lil Carney (Narbeth, PA) scored 11 points, junior Jesica Abraguin (Lancaster, CA) netted eight and freshman Vanessa Hejnas (Delran, NJ) had seven and seven rebounds for the Pride.

Kim Milligan had 16 points, nine rebounds and four 3-pointers with Jacki Law adding nine points and 16 rebounds for the Knights (3-2, 0-1).

Widener on Saturday hosts Lycoming at 1:00 pm, which is followed by the men's game between the schools at 3:00 pm.